December 16, 1886 ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
553 
When dry this paper is ready for use, and on exposure to light it turns blue. 
A change is effected by light, which produces a permanent blue ; but the 
potash, unaffected by light, is still soluble and is easily washed off the paper. 
From th» above it will be easily seen bow the representations may be pro¬ 
duced. Take first a few sheets of paper to form a bed, then lay on ihe 
prepared paper, next the specimen, and last of all a sheet of glass to press 
the whole flat and through which the light may Bhine. Sunlight is best, 
and in that case an exposure of ten minutes or a quarter of an hour is 
quite sufficient. All parts of the paper not covered by the specimen are 
now blue, and it remains only to wash out the potash from the paper where 
it is still unchanged from the protection of the specimen. The prepared 
paper must of course be kept in the dark before use. This is an easy 
process by which the outline of Fern fronds may be t iken with the greatest 
precision. Many leaves do extremely well, such as of Ouvirandra and 
Jatropha multifida. It is much the best if the specimens are dried before 
use. Red prussiate of potash, being poisonous, should be used with caution. 
Cutting down Vines (7. B.). — We have received and answered many 
questions as to cutting down Vines, but never one similar to yours. Your 
case is this—Muscat Vines are so vigorous and productive that tho crop is 
too heavy for the roof of the house to bear, and you ask if it would hurt the 
Vines to cut them down and train up young rods ? We think most persons 
would under such circums ances consider the advisability of adopting 
measures for keeping the roof up in preference to cutting the Vines down. 
Still if you desire to cut them down you may do so a week or ten days after 
all the leaves have fallen in a natural way, paring the ends of the stems 
smoothly, and dressing them well with painter’s knotting. They would 
probably push fresh growths freely from the old stems, and some of these 
thinly trained, would, if strong and well ripened, bear fruit in 1888. The 
plan would certainly be effectual in preventing the roof being dragged down 
by Grapes next year, because there would be none. But what about its 
condition two or thr e years hence when the crop may be again hravy, and 
the roof in the meantime not having grown any stronger ? There is an 
alternate method of reducing the weight of a crop of Grapes, and that is by 
cutting off a number of bunches after sufficient have set for producing a 
moderate weight of fruit, You might perhaps bear this suggestion in mind 
in considering the matter, and possibly a few supports might be affix' d for 
affording strength to the roof. 
Pears for Cordons (J.F.).—Your former letter.was not sufficiently ex¬ 
plicit. You simply aBked for three Pears that grow as well as cordons in 
strong soil, and we named three useful varieties for succession accordingly. 
You now state your intentions and object more clearly. The question for 
you to decide is this—Whether with so many trees you could dispose of the 
produce quickly and to advantage? If you have any doubt of this, the 
safer course would be to plant at the least half a dozen vari ties. Late 
Pears realise the best prices, but autumn Pears often produce the best crops. 
Then, again, all varieties do not suoceed equally well in all places. Now we 
understand your case more ful y, we suggest as likely to answer your 
purpose Williams’ Bon Chretien, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marechal de 
Cour, Pitmaston Duchess, Doyenne du Comice, and Josephine de Malines. 
For affording a succession in three varieties, which was what we understood 
you to require, the three previously named answers well. Beurrd 
d’Amanlis is an excellent grower and bearer, but from some soils the fruit 
is occasionally a little coarse and gritty, yet, generally speaking, it is a very 
useful Pear. If you were plan’ing for home use, you would require at the 
least thrice the number of varieties to insure a continuous supply. You 
must remember that Pears cannot, like Apples, be kept for any considerable 
time after they are ready for use, and a loss not infrequently ensues when 
the whole of the fruit cannot be promptly disposed of. You would probably 
not err by growing a dozen or two trees each of Glou Morgeau and Berga- 
motte Espercn. 
Names of Fruits.—The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named 
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring 
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required 
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be 
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved. 
(7. <S.).—1, Gloria Mundi ; 2, not known ; 3, Blenheim Pippin ; 4, Golden 
Noble ; 5, Hoary Morning ; No. 2 Pear, Ne Plus Meuris. (George Chan- 
tiing). —1, Cobbam; 2, Kentish Fillbasket; 3, not known; 4, Lewis’ In¬ 
comparable ; G, Kentish Fillbasket; 7, Lady Henniker ; 9, Trumpington. 
Names of Plants.—We only undertake to name species of plants, not 
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers. 
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds 
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm 
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry 
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once. 
(TV.).—We have not seen the specimens you previously sent. Those we 
have now received are Scpbronitis erandiflora (scarlet), the other is a good 
variety of Oncidium Forbesi. ( L. T .).— A poor variety of Oncidium 
bictonense. (G. M.). —In the absence of leaves or some particulars to the 
habit, we should regard the plant as Helleborus altifolius, of which the 
leaves grow in an upright manner. 
Feeding Bees ( B. C .).—In your case, to preserve the bees having two 
combs only you should give them a few frames from some other hives that 
could spare them, or failing these sheets of comb foundation will do. The 
best food now’ is honeycomb. The next to that is syrup poured gently 
from a spouted vessel at some height from tho comb, which must lie flat. 
After the one side is filled repeat on the other ; replace the frame with 
comb in the hive. All the empty combs may be filled in the same manner. 
Candy is no better than syrup when given as directed. The ftame-feeder 
is the next best, because the syrup is placed close to the tongues of the 
bees, and it being of wood is congenial to them to sip from during w inter 
But unless the one filling up with frames of comb and feeding with the 
frame-feeders none of the operations will be very successful unless per¬ 
formed within-doors at a temperature of about 00°. An apartment having 
one window of not more than 2 feet square (a large window may be con¬ 
tracted by darkening with paper or cloths), perfectly dry and free from dust 
will do. Place the hive near the window and on a level with the sill, and 
manipulate them as if they were outside, giving the bees full liberty. They 
will fly only between the window and hive. Care must be taken that the 
bees do not get soiled, and all impurities must be carefully dried up. These 
accumulate rapidly when bees are disturbed at a low temperature—hence 
the reason for manipulating within-doors. Outside manipulation would be 
fatal to them at this season ; indeed, there is a risk of the bees by the 
accident being in an unhealthful condition, and can only be saved by indoor 
manipulation. The bees soon get accustomed to their situation, and the 
warmer the apartment can be made the better for them. After the bees 
have cleared themselves thoroughly of all incumbrances, and have had 
enough food stored, take them out to their stand at dusk. If the combs are 
fairly and properly tied the bees will soon fasten them all right. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— December 15th. 
Business very stagnant with prices easier. Large arrivals of Nova 
Scotia and Canada Apples to hand, as also St. Michael Pines. Grepes more 
than sufficient for the demand. 
FRUIT. 
<3. 
d. 
S. 
a. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d 
Apples .. .. 
i 
6 to 4 
0 
Melon .. .. 
0 
0 
bo 0 
0 
,, Nova Scotia and 
Oranges 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Canada, per barrel 10 
0 
13 
0 
Peaches . 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cherries .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Pears. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
CobB .. .. 
. 100 lb. 60 
0 
70 
0 
Pine Apples English., tb. 
1 
6 
g 
0 
Figs . 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Plums. 
. £ sieve 
1 
0 
2 
0 
G rapes .. .. 
0 
6 
3 
9 
St. Michael Pines 
. .each 
2 
0 
5 
0 
Lemons. 
10 
0 
15 
0 
Strawberries .. 
. per ft. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
s 
d 
S 
d. 
8 
d 
Artichokes 
.. dozen 
i 
0 to 0 
0 
Lettuce .. .. 
l 
0 
to 1 
6 
Asparagus 
.. bundle 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Mushrooms .. 
..punnet 
0 
6 
i 
0 
Beans, Kidney 
.. per lb 
0 
6 
0 
0 
Mustard and Cress punnet 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red 
.. dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Onions .. .. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Broccoli .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley .. dozen bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Brussels Sprouts 
.. ^ sieve 
1 
« 
2 
0 
Parsnips .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Cabbage .. .. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Potatoes.. .. 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Capsicums 
100 
1 
6 
2 
0 
,, Kidney 
.. cwt. 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Carrots .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Rhubarb .. „ 
.. bundle 
0 
2 
0 
6 
Cauliflowers .. 
.. dozen 
3 
0 
4 
0 
3alsafy .. .. 
1 
0 
i 
0 
Celery .. .. 
1 
8 
2 
0 
Scorzonera .. 
.. bundle 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts doz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Soakale .. .. 
per basket 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Cucumbers 
.. each 
0 
3 
0 
4 
Shallots .. .. 
0 
8 
0 
6 
Endive .. .. 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Spinach .. .. 
3 
0 
4 
4 
Heros .. •. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Leeks .. .. 
0 
8 
0 
4 
Turnips .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
PLANTS IN POTS. 
S. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
B. 
d. 
8. 
a. 
Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen 
9 
0 to 18 
0 
Ficus elastica .. each 
1 
6 to 
7 
0 
Arbor vitce (golden) dozen 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Fuchsia .. per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ (common) dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Foliage Plants, var. each 
2 
0 
10 
0 
Asters .. .. per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Heliotrope .. por dozen 
0 
9 
0 
0 
Bedding Plants, var. doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Hydrangea .. per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Begonias .. .. dozen 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Ivy Geraniums per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
. 0 
Chrysanthemum .. dozen 
4 
0 
12 
0 
Lilium auratum per doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cockscombs per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Lobelias .. .. per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cyperua.dozen 
4 
0 
12 
0 
Marguerite Daisy dozen 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Dracaana terminalis, dozen 30 
0 
60 
0 
Mignonette .. per dozen 
3 
0 
6 
0 
„ viridis .. dozen 12 
0 
24 
0 
Mask .. .. per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Erica, various .. dozen 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Myrtles.dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
„ hyemalis per dozen 12 
0 
24 
0 
Palms, in var. .. each 
2 
6 
21 
0 
„ gracilis per dozen 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Euonymus, in var. dozen 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Pelargoniums per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Evergreens, in var. dozen 
6 
0 
24 
0 
Primula sisensis per doz. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Ferns, in variety .. dozen 
4 
0 
18 
0 
Solanum3 per doz. 
9 
0 
12 
0 
CUT 
FLOWERS. 
s 
d. 
8. 
d. 
S. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Abntilons .. 12 bunches 
2 
0 
to 4 
0 
Lily of the Yalley, 12 sprays 
0 
0 to 0 
0 
Arum Lilies .. 12 blooms 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Marguerites .. 12 bunches 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Aeters .. .. 12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Mignonette .. 12 bunches 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Azalea .. .. 12 sprays 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Narciss, Paper-white, bunch 
0 
4 
0 
6 
Bouvardias .. per bunch 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„ White, English, bunch 
1 
8 
1 
6 
Camellias .. 12 blooms 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Pelargoniums, per 12 trasses 
0 
9 
1 
6 
Carnations .. 12 blooms 
1 
0 
8 
0 
„ scarlet, 12 trusses 
0 
4 
0 
e 
„ .. 12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Roses .. 12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Chrysanthemums 12 bches. 
2 
0 
6 
0 
„ (indoor), per dozen 
0 
6 
2 
0 
„ 12 blooma 
0 
6 
2 
0 
„ Tea. dozen 
0 
9 
3 
0 
Cornflower .. lSbuuches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ red .. .. dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Dahlias .. 12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parme Violets (French) 
4 
0 
5 
9 
Epiphyllnm .. doz. blooms 
0 
6 
0 
0 
Primula (single) per bunch 
0 
4 
0 
6 
Eucharis .. per dozen 
4 
0 
8 
0 
„ (double) per bunch 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Gardenias .. 12 bloomB 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Pyrethrum .. 12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Gladioli .. 12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Stephanotis .. 12 sprays 
6 
0 
8 
0 
Hyacinths.Roman, 12 sprays 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Stocks, various 12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Lapageria, white, 12 blooma 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Tropaaolum .. 12 bunches 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Lapageria, red . 12 blooms 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Tuberoses .. 12 blooms 
1 
0 
1 
6 
„ longiflorum, 12 blms. 
6 
0 
8 
0 
Violets .. .. 12 bunches 
1 
0 
i 
6 
Lilac (white), French, bunch 
6 
0 
8 
0 
„ Czar, French, pa tunch 
1 
3 
i 
9 
A WELL-STOCKED HOMESTEAD. 
Many thiugs go to render the final result of farming a 
financial success, and they are generally comprised in what 
is often termed good all round farming. For the ordinary 
